Feeding Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Hamsters
When you first got your small rodent, you were probably surprised at how complicated it was to feed them. Dog owners buy dog food, and cat owners buy cat food. But if you have a rat, a mouse, hamsters or gerbels, you're kind of left to your own devices. Feeding your furry pet is more of a balancing act!
You can choose among seed mixtures, seeds mixed with vitamin and mineral pellets (often ignored by the pet), hay cubes, pelleted complete diets, salt blocks, pieces of chewable wood, and a variety of treat.
Pelleted, complete diets (with at least 16 percent quality protein) provide the foods your rodent needs. Check the package for a label stating "meets NRC requirements" so that you know you're getting a complete food. Putting together a rodent diet on your own is risky. You may easily short-change your pet on valuable nutrients.
Just like humans, our pets enjoy variety. Fruit, vegetables, hay and other goodies provide that variety and add a few nutrients as well. To be balanced, however, make sure the "extras" in your rodent's diet don't add up to more than 15 percent of its entire diet.
All pets need fresh water, and it's surprising how often they don't get enough. Often, vets examine sick pets only to find that they're dehydrated. Keep fresh water available at all times, and change it often.
Published 10/19/07
